Putnam City - Public Schools Foundation

.....ready for kindergarten, that is!  The Putnam City School District has just completed its first Ready! for Kindergarten session of the 2008/2009 school year.  Kelly Suchy, recently appointed as facilitator of the Ready! for K program, commented that the first session was very successful, with over 300 families in attendance. 

Research shows that children learn best between the ages of birth to three years.  Ready! for K educates parents about things they can do for their children to help with their language learning.  There are three sessions each year.  The fall session teaches about letters and sound, the winter session teaches math and reasoning skills, the spring session focuses on social and emotional skills.  In its first year, the district hosted 502 families; in its second year, 724 families attended; this year, Suchy reported they expect to have 900+ families in attendance. 

The goals of the program are to 1) provide information to parents about how a child learns at each level; 2) provide essential tools and activities for each family in attendance.  The parents attending the sessions are given a "kit" that contains these useful materials.  These parent kits cost the district approximately $162 per family. 

Earlier this year, the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation committed to raising $20,000 to help with the cost of the parent kits.  Recently, the PC Foundation was pleased to receive grants from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for $5,600, Kirkpatrick Family Fund for $5,000, and The Kerr Foundation for $2,000.  These grants will help the PC Foundation in its effort to ensure success of the Ready! for Kindergarten program. 

It is imperative that children enter school ready to learn.  Parents participating in Ready! for K are taught ways to develop early learning skills in their children to ensure school success.

Since 1987, the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation has invested over $1 million in innovative new programs.  We recognize student and teacher achievements and help create a better future for our children.  Our public schools represent our greatest opportunity to enhance our children's lives and help them discover their passion.

To learn more about Ready! for Kindergarten and other programs sponsored by Putnam City Public Schools Foundation, please log onto our website at www.pcf4kids.org.